Proposals to merge the existing class use system in our town centres should allow more flexibility for traditional retail hubs to adapt to the changing face of the high street, according to a planning expert.

It comes amid a flurry of negative headlines at the start of 2019 as retailers reported disappointing sales over December - traditionally a key performance indicator.

Marks & Spencer confirmed it was axing shops in Ashford and Deal as it looks to cut costs, while Debenhams is thought to be considering adding an additional 40 stores on top of the 50 it was already planning on axing as it tries to avoid administration.

To add to high street woes, stationery outlet Paperchase is also looking at closing stores, while adminstrators for HMV were still hoping to find a buyer when Kent Business went to press.

Now the government has proposed merging the traditional Use Classes A1 (retail), A2 (professional services) and A3 (food and drink) to allow units the ability to change swiftly.

However, it would lessen local authorities' ability to control the make-up of town centres.

Jonathan Buckwell, director at town planning and development consultancy DHA Planning in Maidstone, believes the change is needed.

He said: "Historically, councils have tried to be very controlling over what uses you have in town centres and a lot had very strict policies saying, for example, 60% of units had to be shops, they couldn't be a bank or building society, for example, and I think there's a recognition you need more flexibility than that.

"That just stops things happening. You can see why they were introduced 20 or 30 years ago, but now you need the flexibility to give town centres the best chance possible of thriving."

Among other suggestions put forward by the government would be to allow, in certain circumstances, for buildings in town centres to be extended upwards to provide more residential space above shops.

But fears town centres are on their last legs are unfounded, according to Mr Buckwell.

He adds: "There's obviously still a place for town centres and town centre shops, and entertainment and leisure, but clearly we're going to see town centres contracting.

"The very heart for them may go unchanged, but it's your secondary areas where you're likely to see residential uses move into those and have the main town centre use in a more focused area.

"Planning policies are recognising that an element of residential in town centres is generally a good thing as it helps support shops, cafes and restaurants to have vibrancy."